Zuni Bear Fetish Box

Description

This one of a kind silver and stone Zuni Fetish Box has been constructed of Wave
Dolomite and 100 grams of 26 gauge sterling silver. The lid is crowned by a genuine Zuni bear fetish hand carved by Enrike Leekya (see below).

Wave Dolomite is a beautifully patterned semi-precious stone, also known as Rolling
Hills Dolomite or Desert Sandstorm. Dolomite is a sedimentary carbonate rock similar to calcite, with added magnesium.

Dolomite is found all over the world and can be obtained as a pure mineral, or mixed
with other minerals. It is named for the French mineralogist, Deodat de Dolomieu. It has a hardness of 3.5 to 4.0 on the Mohs scale. The metaphysical qualities of dolomite can
help in the relief of depression, sorrow, and loneliness. It encourages generosity,
creative thinking, and manifestation, while helping us detach from the drama around us. It also assists us in experiencing love, compassion, and appreciation. Physically it has been used to help heal bones, teeth, muscles, and the female reproductive system.

The bear fetish, with turquoise inlaid eyes, has been carved from white travertine, also called Zuni stone or Leekya rock. Zuni Stone is a type of travertine found only on Leekya family land and mined almost exclusively for fetish carving by the Leekya family. Its colors tend to be predominantly in the golden light-brown spectrum, but also may exhibit tones of gray, light beige, cream, and darker brown. This stone has a very strong connection to the earth and the
spirit of Zuni belief.

To the Zuni, the bear represents immense healing and is a symbol of supreme power,
strength, solitude, and introspection. The bear is one of the Zuni’s six main directional
guardians, protecting the West and associated with the colors black or blue. It is believed that the power of the Great Spirit breathes within bear. He is a champion in helping us overcome the depression of the spirit that is often connected with the deep introspective cycle of change and growth.

Bear reminds us that this type of isolation is actually a necessary state of hibernation. His wisdom reminds us that solitude is an immense power that we all, at times, need to focus on, in order to connect to our inner world. Bear teaches us how to go within and find the primal source that is essential for our survival. The Zuni regard the bear as invaluable when facing change,
transition, and growth.

The fetish includes a medicine bundle tied to its back by animal sinew. These bundles are meant as a gift offering to the animal spirit. The bundles provide the animal spirit with energy, enhancing its powers and allowing its prayers to be heard more easily. The arrowhead pointing
forward defends it from obstacles in the future.

The Sterling silver fusing the box also strengthens the connection between the astral and physical planes while enhancing the energies of the stone it surrounds. Place your keepsakes or medicine in the Native American Medicine box to infuse them with these powerful, timeless
energies. Experience the power of Native American Medicine and own an amazingly unique fusion of art and ancient power. Enrike Leekya is part of the well-known and important Leekya Deyuse family of Zuni fetish carvers. Enrike is a great grandson of Leekya Deyuse, the most well-known Zuni carver of all time, and grandson of Francis Leekya. When his children entered school, Leekya Deyuse requested that they take his first name as their surname. All of his
children (Alice, Sarah, Elizabeth, Robert, Francis, and Roger) did so. Enrike’s fetishes are made in his great grandfather’s style of bold and traditional carvings. He uses a great deal of Zuni rock
and has his own signature style of animals, often with their heads turned, looking up
with lifelike expressions.